NetApp - Ambitions for Koenig

Focus20.07.2014Stage 15- Tallard / Nîmes

Unlucky at the start of the Tour de France, when they saw one of their best riders, Tiago Machado, crash as he was playing a leading role, Team NetApp-Endura recovered in style in the Alps, when their leader Leopold Koenig confirmed his ambitions.

“We really had a hard start to the Tour, with several crashes, but between St Etienne and Chamrousse, Leo confirmed that we could win a stage, which remains the main goal of the team,” said the German team director Enrico Poitschke.

But the former pro has even higher goals for the 26-year-old Czech, revealed last year by winning a stage in the Vuelta, which he finished 9th overall.

“I think he has the means to finish in the top six in Paris . For the rest of his career I think he can go even higher”, said Poitshcke, impressed by his rider's recovery capacities.

Third in Chamrousse, the Czech, 26, lies 8th overall, 9:32 behind Vincenzo Nibali, after the Alps.

While NetApp-Endura, who announced a new sponsor during the rest day, perfectly honoured their invitation to the Tour, they hope to retain their best rider, whose contract ends this season.

Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) claimed his second stage win in Nîmes after the peloton caught the two courageous breakaway riders in a thrilling finale. Near the antique Arenas, the Norwegian triumphed like a gladiator as the outcome was cruel for Jack Bauer and Martin Elmiger who escaped from the start of the 222-km long stage and got caught in the last 50 metres!